NICKERSON, Mary Elaine, 80, Mary’s Abide-A-While, Shelburne, formerly of Clark’s Harbour, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Roseway Hospital, Shelburne. “Aunt Lainey” as she will be fondly remembered by many, was born on September 26, 1931 in Shag Harbour. She was the daughter of the late J. Mitchell and Marguerite (Kendrick) Larkin. Elaine graduated from Provincial Normal College, Truro, and College of Bible and Missions, London, with a BRE degree in Christian Education. She also attended summers at N.S. Teachers Summer School, specializing in Primary Education. She taught school for 25 years and 21 of those years were spent in Barrington Municipality and four years in other parts of Nova Scotia. She was an active member of the United Baptist Stone Church, Clark’s Harbour and a faithful member of the Women’s Missionary Society, where she was actively involved for many years. She had a passion for both local and overseas missions. She was on the Shelburne W.M.S. Association where she served as both president and secretary-treasurer; she held both the Provincial and Dominion Life Memberships. She was a member of Chapel Hill Historical Society, Shag Harbour. She loved the worship hymns and old time classics. She had been soloist at churches in the area and also at funerals and weddings. She served as assistant choir director and later as choir director for a number of years. She had been a Sunday School teacher, leader of various children and youth groups including D.V.B.S., C.G.I.T., Mission Band and Little Lights. During spare moments, she enjoyed reading, liked doing various word puzzles and knitting. “Aunt Lainey” has followed with interest and is proud of the accomplishments made by her nieces and nephews during their school, university and college years and today in their chosen fields of work. Elaine is survived by brothers, Clifford (Leona) Larkin, Woods Harbour, Joseph (Shirley Anne) Larkin, Shag Harbour; seven nieces and nephews who affectionately called her “Aunt Lainey”, namely, Sharon (Brian) Wentzell, Halifax, Roger (Simone) Larkin, Sydney, Leona Mae (Wayne) Devine, Woods Harbour, Elizabeth (George) Amirault, Kingston, N.S., Darlene (Gregory) Nickerson, Barrington, Stephen (Jennifer) Larkin, Charlesville, Aaron (Rhonda) Larkin, Shag Harbour. Several great and great-great nieces and nephews. Stepsons, Beverly (Linda) Nickerson, Jordan Falls, Courtney (Barbara) Nickerson, Lower Sackville. Five step grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Havelock Nickerson. The funeral service was held on Saturday, February 4 from the Shag Harbour United Baptist Church, Pastor Phil Williams and Pastor Adam Renouf officiating. Burial was in Old Farm Cemetery, Shag Harbour. Donations can be made to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, Heart & Stroke Foundation of N.S., Gideon Memorial Bible Plan or to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to HYPERLINK "mailto:huskilson@ns.aliantzinc.ca" huskilson@ns.aliantzinc.ca or you may sign the guest book at www.huskilson.net